Electron spin resonance studies of the reactions of sorbate with nitrite in the presence of a spin trap

Abstract

An esr spectrum was generated when a spin trap, t-nitroso butane (tNB), was added to potassium sorbate solution at pH of 6.4. This spectrum can be explained by the abstraction of allylic hydrogen by NO2, generated by the decomposition of tNB, followed by spin trapping of the radical product. With increasing concentration of NO2, which was accomplished by either the addition of sodium nitrite or by lowering the pH to cause rapid decomposition of tNB, a different esr spectrum was observed. This spectrum can be accounted for by a radical formed by addition of NO2 to the 4,5 double bond of the sorbate and subsequent trapping by tNB.